There is sadness in Portarlington and Laois this week following the news of the sad passing of a Laois dad in Australia.
Formerly of Station Road in Portarlington, Jonathan ‘Micko’ McCowen passed away on July 18 in Brisbane.
In September 2021, Jonathan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Motor Neuron disease.
When the reality of Jonathan’s diagnosis was realised, he and his friends set about establishing and fundraiser to secure a future for his wife Sherie and daughters Darcy and Riley.
In the end, $750,000 was raised and Jonathan could pass in peace knowing that his family were well looked after.
Predeceased by his parents, Jon and Marie McCowen. Johnny will be sadly missed every day by Sherie, Darcy and Riley, his sister Louise (Galway), his brothers Paul (Naas) and Mark (Poland), sisters-in-law Maureen and Ladda, niece, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his wide circle of friends at home and abroad.
Following his passing, Johnathan’s club Portarlington penned a beautiful tribute to their former player.
They said: “On the morning of July 18th, 2023, Portarlington GAA club received the sad news that our former player and great friend Jonathan McCowen passed away peacefully with his wife Sherie by his side. Jonathan was affectionately known by his friends simply as Micko.
“Born and reared by Jon and Marie on the Station Road, Micko was a talented sportsman from an early age. The apple did not fall far from the tree given his father Jon McCowen was a veteran of the victorious Port ’54, ’55 & ’59 championship winning teams.
“Micko’s grandfather also captained Portarlington to a championship win in 1925.
“Micko was a Rolls Royce of a footballer who played at all underage grades with Port. His stylish, skilful nature earning him the affectionate nickname of ‘shaper’ McCowen in his very early years.
“The nickname did not stick because underneath this style there was a leader with a teak toughness, savage work rate and huge competitive spirit. This was evident in 2002 when he captained the Port U21’s to a championship win.
“A man of respect who lead by example on and off the pitch. Micko was a model of consistency throughout that campaign. His leadership skills were also prevalent in the dressing room. When Micko spoke, the players listened.
“In 2001 Micko had his greatest year in the maroon and green of Portarlington winning a senior county medal. At 20 years of age, it what was Micko’s first year playing senior football.
“The manager Padraig Dunne made the decision to move Micko from the forwards where he played most of his career to the half back line. It proved a masterstroke, and it was a seamless transition for Micko.
“A man for the big occasion Micko played excellent throughout the county championship culminating in the famous replay victory in the final against old rivals Stradbally.
“Micko also has the distinction of being a member of the team that year who played two Leinster club championship games in a packed McCann Park. Two games that will go down in the folklore of Portarlington GAA club against Fr. Manning Gaels of Longford and the star-studded Na Fianna team from Dublin.
“As well as being a talented footballer, Micko was a fantastic tennis player in his younger years, with Portarlington Lawn Tennis Club once saying: ‘It is recognised by all the long-playing members of the club that Jonathan was the finest player the club ever produced.’
“More than anything else, Portarlington GAA club will remember Jonathan ‘Micko’ McCowen as a Gentleman to all who knew him, all who played with him and all who played against him.
“A man who will be fondly remembered forever by his huge circle of friends from Portarlington and around the world.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to Jonathan’s wife Sherie, his two beautiful daughters Darcy and Riley, his brothers Paul and Mark, his sister Louise, and his extended family.
“Rest in peace Micko.”
